by Eliot · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
Satiric account of a disturbing, faun-like visitor whose pagan vitality unsettles a polite American teacup society; satire of society, the grotesque and submerged sexuality.
Connections
Motifs: Sea, Desire Themes & Concepts: Satire of Society, Grotesque Historical References: Greek Mythology, New England
Testo integrale / Full text
Mr. Apollinax LUCIAN When Mr. Apollinax visited the United States His laughter tinkled among the teacups. I thought of Fragilion, that shy figure among the birch-trees, And of Priapus in the shrubbery Gaping at the lady in the swing. In the palace of Mrs. Phlaccus, at Professor Charming-Cheetah’s He laughed like an irresponsible fœtus. His laughter was submarine and profound Like the old man of the sea’s Hidden under coral islands Where worried bodies of drowned men drift down in the green silence, Dropping from fingers of surf. I looked for the head of Mr. Apollinax rolling under a chair Or grinning over a screen With seaweed in its hair. I heard the beat of centaur’s hoofs over the hard turf As his dry and passionate talk devoured the afternoon. ‘He is a charming man’ — ‘But after all what did he mean?’ — ‘His pointed ears…. He must be unbalanced.’ — ‘There was something he said that I might have challenged.’ Of dowager Mrs. Phlaccus, and Professor and Mrs. Cheetah I remember a slice of lemon, and a bitten macaroon.
Hysteria As she laughed I was aware of becoming involved in her laughter and being part of it, until her teeth were only accidental stars with a talent for squad-drill. I was drawn in by short gasps, inhaled at each momentary recovery, lost finally in the dark caverns of her throat, bruised by the ripple of unseen muscles. An elderly waiter with trembling hands was hurriedly spreading a pink and white checked cloth over the rusty green iron table, saying: ‘If the lady and gentleman wish to take their tea in the garden, if the lady and gentleman wish to take their tea in the garden…’ I decided that if the shaking of her breasts could be stopped, some of the fragments of the afternoon might be collected, and I concentrated my attention with careful subtlety to this end.